Anthony Halberstadt Chapter – Sons of the American Revolution
Spring Chapter Meeting – March 21, 2026
Allen County Public Library – Fort Wayne, Indiana
Call to Order
The Spring Meeting of the Anthony Halberstadt Chapter was called to order at 10:00 AM by President Jeff Jones.
Opening Ceremonies
- Invocation: Bob Scott, Chaplain
- Posting of the Colors: Gary Stebbins, Color Guard Commander
- Pledge of Allegiance: Brett Hahn, Secretary
- National Anthem: Ron Kohart, Service Committee Chairman
- SAR Pledge: President Jeff Jones
President Jones welcomed members and guests and read the Mission of the SAR, reaffirming the chapter’s commitment to patriotism, service, and education.
Opening Remarks & Mission of the SAR
President Jones highlighted several key updates:
- Recognition of the chapter receiving the Legion of the United States Award in January for excellence in education and community service.
- Membership update: 97 total members with a 95% renewal rate.
- Introduction of new dual members and continued chapter growth.
- Announcement of a National SAR summer membership promotion offering discounted applications.
- Continued support of The Shepherd’s House, including prior donations of $1,500 in goods and funds.
Introductions & Guests
Guests introduced included:
- Benita Steyer, Senior Leader, William Berry Chapter NSCAR (not present)
- Melanie Tisdale, Senior Leader, William Berry Chapter NSCAR
- Sue Johnson, Regent, Mary Penrose Chapter NSDAR
Introductions & Guests
Members and guests were introduced, including Compatriot James Jonathan Julius, who shared that his patriot ancestor served in Connecticut in 1776 and that another ancestor served aboard a ship under John Paul Jones.
New Member Induction
- Compatriot James Jonathan Julius was inducted.
- The following new members were announced but not present:
- Michael Richards
- Beckett Barnhart
Program: “The Scots-Irish in America”
Presenter: Compatriot Archie Lintz
Compatriot Lintz delivered an engaging presentation on the Scots-Irish influence in early America, including their migration, culture, and role in the Revolutionary War.
Highlights included:
- Description of the Scots-Irish as fiercely independent, loyal, and instrumental in frontier life and the Revolution.
- Notable figures of Scots-Irish heritage, including Andrew Jackson, Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, Henry Knox, and John Witherspoon.
- Introduction of his book on Scots-Irish tobacco culture, which was donated to the chapter, with proceeds supporting The Shepherd’s House.
Buy your copy on Amazon here.
Awards & Recognition
Membership Anniversary
- Compatriot John Booher Lindsey – 5 Years (not present)
Certificates of Appreciation – Color Guard
- Compatriot Gary Stebbins
- Compatriot Jeffrey Jones
- Compatriot William Pond
- Compatriot Brad Mills
- Compatriot Rob Mills
- Compatriot Mark Lee Daniels
- Compatriot David Edwin Rousculp
- Compatriot Stephen James Hamilton
Certificates of Appreciation – Chapter Service
- Compatriot Archie Lintz – Chapter Service
Wreaths Across America Recognition
- Compatriot Gary Stebbins – Chapter Coordinator
SAR University Chapter Training
- Compatriot Jeffrey Jones – President
- Compatriot Gary Stebbins – President
Good Citizenship Award
- Melanie Tisdale (CAR Leadership) – received by Sue Johnson
Vietnam War Veterans Corps Recognition
- Compatriot Ronald Spurgeon
- Compatriot Doug Halberstadt
America 250th Bronze Awards
- Compatriot Donnal Phillip Corbitt
- Compatriot William Walter Pond
- Compatriot Douglas Dee Halberstadt
- Compatriot James Thomas Burk
- Benita Steyer (Allen County 250th Commission)
Outstanding Young Member
- Compatriot Brett Hahn
Liberty Medal
- Compatriot Jeffrey Jones
Henry Knox Award
- Compatriot William Pond
- Compatriot Greg Stier
- Compatriot Brad Mills
Roger Sherman Medal
- Compatriot Brett Hahn
- Compatriot Zach Washler (not present)
- Compatriot Doug Halberstadt
Meritorious Service Medal
- Compatriot Ron Kohart – with Citation
- Compatriot Ray King – Oak Leaf Cluster
Distinguished Service Medal
- Compatriot Gary Stebbins – with Citation
American Revolution Essay Contest
- Caleb Wilhelm – Winner (not present)
Officer & Committee Reports
- William Pond (Vice President): Highlighted the upcoming Northeast Indiana Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Brett Hahn (Secretary): Provided updates on the chapter website and email communications; encouraged members to submit patriot stories. Ron Kohart: Emphasized the need for volunteers at the VA Hospital coffee service on Thursdays; participation contributes toward the 250 Medal. Bob Scott (Treasurer): Reported on chapter finances and noted that Wreaths Across America generated approximately $500 for the chapter. Dr. Tom Whiteman: Provided an update on the Indiana 250th Commission, including fundraising progress and the upcoming House of Delegates meeting on April 11 in Muncie. Gary Stebbins:
- Announced the 2026 Wreaths Across America goal of 100 wreaths
- Shared updates on ROTC engagement, Flag Recognition, and Veterans Service Corps participation
- Noted the need to establish a Flag Retirement Ceremony program
- Greg Stier: Reported on Patriot graves and public service recognition Jeff Jones: Submitted the chapter’s Americanism Report and noted strong adoption of online dues payments, with approximately one-third of members using the system
Old Business
- Continued support of The Shepherd’s House
- Review of Wreaths Across America After Action
- Continued success of online dues payment implementation
- Discussion regarding maintaining the Halberstadt chapter name in honor of its founding member
New Business
- America 250th Day (May 23 at ACPL): volunteers needed to support an informational table and coordinate participation
- National Genealogical Society Conference (May 27–30 at ACPL): volunteers requested to assist with registration, tours, and outreach
- Patriot Walk & Pomeroy Marker Dedication (June 20 at Lindenwood Cemetery): ceremony planned for Patriot Ewing, followed by a guided walk to multiple veteran graves
- Historian Appointment: Compatriot Archie Lintz elected Chapter Historian
- Genealogist Appointment: President Jeff Jones confirmed as Chapter Genealogist
- 2026 Budget Approval: proposed by Treasurer Bob Scott and approved by the chapter with total expenses not to exceed $2,745
- Community Support Initiative: motion approved to donate $100 to the Snider High School Computer Club
Upcoming Events
- Indiana SAR House of Delegates: April 11, 2026 – Muncie
- America 250th Day: May 23, 2026 – Allen County Public Library
- National Genealogical Society Conference: May 27–30, 2026
- Summer Chapter Meeting: June 20, 2026
- Patriot Walk & Pomeroy Ceremony: June 20, 2026 – Lindenwood Cemetery
Closing
The meeting concluded with the SAR Recessional led by Compatriot Ron Kohart, followed by the Retrieval of the Colors by Gary Stebbins and the Benediction by Bob Scott.
SAR Recessional
Led by Secretary Ron Kohart:
“Until we meet again, let us remember our obligations to our forefathers who gave us our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, an independent Supreme Court and a nation of free men.”
Colors Retired by Sergeant-at-Arms Gary Stebbins
Benediction offered by Bob Scott